A baby shower is a form of celebration that aims to welcome the newest member in
the family. Although baby showers were originally planned only for first-borns,
modern practices now allow baby shower parties for every baby that comes in the
family.
Baby showers are usually organized and arranged by the relatives and close friends
of the parents-to-be. They are a good way to help parents get started with the
things that they need for the baby. However, that there are some cultures and
religious beliefs that do not consider it appropriate and that it is considered bad
luck to have a party and bring baby things in the house before the baby is born.
Over the years, baby showers have evolved into various names, such as the
following:
- “Daddy’s shower” – a men-only party for dads-to-be
- “Grandma’s shower” – a party where guests bring baby items (such as collapsible cribs and changing pads) that grandparents can keep at their house.
- “Diaper showers” or “baby sprinkles” – a small-scale party that is usually held for successive children, and ideal for parents who do not need as many items (or gifts).
It is customary for a baby shower to have a theme, to which the entire party centers
on. Baby shower requisites typically include games, presents, food and a cake!
A party is never complete without a cake, and this applies to baby showers also.
Cakes are one of the great things about baby showers, and they can be made using
various basic techniques, such as the following:
1. All-in-together – this is done by placing the dry ingredients in a food processor
(together with the shortening) before progressively adding the liquid ingredients.
2. Creaming methods – this is done by ‘creaming’ butter and sugar together before
progressively adding the rest of the ingredients.
3. Rubbing method – this is done by ‘rubbing’ the butter into the dry ingredients
before adding the liquid ones.
4. Melt-and-mix – this is done by are first mixing the dry ingredients together,
adding the melted butter and the other liquid ingredients afterwards to complete
the cake.
5. Sponge-making – this is done by whipping the eggs and sugar into a froth, with
the flour carefully mixed in. Making a light sponge requires great skill, as it does
not use any raising agent or fat.
Finished cakes are usually enhanced with the use of frosting (icing) or toppings
(such as sprinkles).
There are different varieties of baby shower cakes to choose from. Some of them are
listed below:
Angelfood cake
Butter cake
Butterfly cake
Carrot cake
Cheesecake
Chocolate cake
Chiffon cake
Cupcake
Devil’s food cake
Fruit cake
Gingerbread
Ice cream cake
Mooncake
Pineapple upside down cake
Pound cake
Spice cake
Sponge cake
Aside from the cake varieties above, there are also a lot of baby shower cake ideas
that can make a baby shower celebration more special:
1. Belly Cake. One great idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like a
pregnant belly. This can be done by placing a circular cake in front of a rectangular
cake and frosting them together to resemble that of a pregnant belly.
2. Toy Blocks Cake. Another idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look
like children’s toy blocks (either one large block or 3 to 4 smaller blocks). Toy block
cakes can be further enhanced by surrounding them with candies or little toy cars.
Of course, you can also experiment and try to come up with creative ideas of your
own. Bear in mind that the ‘objective’ is not only to make a yummy dessert, but also
a great centerpiece that will stand out in the memories of the parents-to-be.
© Copyright Vincent Chua, All Rights Reserved.
Vincent has dozens more baby shower related articles and tips at his site: baby shower theme, check them out today!